"Taste of the Seasons"

"Taste of the Seasons" is a holiday wine, spirits and beer tasting to benefit the Indianapolis-based United Hope Foundation.

It's set for 6 to 10 p.m. 14 November in Ritz Charles, 12156 North Meridian Street, Carmel. General admission is $50, with VIP status available at $65. Tickets are available at any United Package Liquor location, online or call 317:205-9266.

The VIP Lounge includes high-end spirits and cigars. There's also a silent auction, cupcake raffle and more.

Since 2005, the United Hope Foundation has given more than $100,000 to charities in Central Indiana, including Riley Children’s Hospital, Noble of Indiana, Second Helpings, Prevail, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Indianapolis Air Show abd Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources.

Let Nothing Keep You Down

Kerry Max Cook (left) will talk about his book, Let Nothing Keep You Down, at 5 p.m. 7 November in the Wynne Courtroom of the Indiana University School of Law at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Cook, also the author of Chasing Justice: My Story of Freeing Myself after Two Decades on Death Row for a Crime I Didn’t Commit, was born in Stuttgart, Germany into an Army family, and spent much of his youth on Army bases. He returned to the United States with his family in 1972 to live in Texas. In 1977, at age 20, he was arrested and wrongly convicted of capital murder, a crime for which he would spend the next two decades on death row.

Since gaining his freedom, Cook has been an advocate for legal reform, lecturing at Princeton, Yale, and the University of Chicago, as well as internationally. Cook also appeared in the critically acclaimed play “The Exonerated,” based in part on his story. His visit is sponsored by the law student organization, Law Students Against Capital Punishment

There will be a reception and book signing following the lecture at 6 p.m. in Conour Atrium. Both events are free and open to the public.

Angie's List and Indy's Eastside

Tomorrow (30 October), Angie's List CEO Bill Oesterle will announce "significant investments in and around the company's national headquarters on Indianapolis' Near Eastside".

Want to be the first to hear what's planned? Head on over to Angie's List, 1030 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, at 11 a.m.

Lilly Teams With Teach For America

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Company and Teach For America have launched an initiative to help new teachers working in low-income areas of Indianapolis, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Lilly employees will help the teachers get acclimated to the city and foster networking opportunities.

Northeast Corridor of Cultural Trail Commences

Construction on the next phase of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail begins in mid-November. The Northeast Corridor will connect the East Corridor on Alabama Street to the Monon Trail terminus on 10th Street.

The Northeast Corridor is about one mile long, and will feature both combined and separated trail paths with the same trail design, benches, bike racks, lighting and signage as the rest of the Cultural Trail.

It is anticipated that the Northeast Corridor hardscape will be complete by late 2009, with plantings installed in spring 2010.

On My Honor: Girl Scouts Since 1912

Relive your own Girl Scout days through artifacts, vintage uniforms and photos at a new exhibition at the Indiana State Museum.

At "On My Honor: Girl Scouts Since 1912" you can visit a recreated camp, page through scrapbooks, and attend an imaginary meeting. Related programs include two Girl Scout 'sings'.

The exhibit is included in admission to the museum, located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. It's open today through 1 March 2009.

Another Bank Bites the Dust

National City Corporation (headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio) has agreed to sell itself to a Pittsburgh bank in an all-stock deal that values National City at just $2.33 per share.

National City, the former Merchants National Bank, is the second-largest bank in the Indy metro area.

Student Leader Summit at IUPUI Saturday

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) will hold his sixth annual Service Leader Summit Saturday (25 October) in Indianapolis, according to Inside INdiana Business.

More than 140 high school student leaders from across the state will attend the event at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. They will learn about the fundamentals of successful service and talk about volunteer projects they can carry out at home with other students.

Sears Closes Another Store

Sears Holdings Corp. has notified the state of plans to close its store at Lafayette Square Mall in Indianapolis on 11 January 2009

Guilded Leaf Book and Author Luncheon

Junior League's Holiday Mart

The 38th annual Holiday Mart sponsored by (and benefitting the programs of) the Junior League of Indianapolis is set for 30 October thrugh 2 November in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Admission to the unique shopping mall is $12, unless you head to a Marsh supermarket and buy an advance sale ticket for $10.

Pyrotechnics and Lasers?

The United States Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services will implement a variety of methods to discourage starlings from roosting in Downtown this fall, according to Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.

In the evenings (beginning 20 October), USDA-WS staff -- in uniform and working from the sidewalks and selected rooftops downtown -- will be using a variety of methods including pyrotechnics and lasers. The pyrotechnics make loud shrill sounds and booms.

Watch for the excitement in a four block area surrounding Monument Circle: Illinois, Washington, Ohio and Pennsylvania streets; the Indiana State House perimeter; in University Park, and along South Meridian Street from Washington to Maryland streets.

Indy Gets First Green Roof Building

At 12:15 p.m. tomorrow (17 October), Mayor Greg Ballard will announce plans for the first green roof ever to be constructed on a city-owned building -- a wastewater storage and treatment facility on the north side of Indy.

If you want to get the information up close and personal, head to the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Headquarters, 1029 Fletcher Avenue, Indianapolis.

Halloween ZooBoo Starts Tomorrow

Dress up the kids in their most ghoulish costumes and join the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo for the annual Halloween ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo in White River State Park for some not-so-spooky Halloween family fun.

The event has been expanded to cover two four-day weekends: 16-19 and 23-26 October. The Zoo will open at 9 a.m. each day, with Halloween activities from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Activities include safe trick-or-treating among the animals, pumpkin bowling, a haunted train ride, animal chats, Not-So-Scary animal shows and much more! Check it all out here.

Local Experts Discuss U.S. Economy

Financial experts on the faculty of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis will discuss the current economy during a student-sponsored forum tomorrow (15 October)at IUPUI. The event is open to the general public.

The Forum on Current Financial Crisis will be held from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Wednesday in the Basile Auditorium (Room 101) of Herron School of Art and Design, 735 West New York Street, Indianapolis

Speakers include Catherine Bonser-Neal, associate professor of finance; Ken Carow, associate professor of finance; John Hassell, professor of accounting; Steve Russell, professor of economics; and Timothy Koponen, professor of public affairs.

Topics to be addressed include the origins of the current financial crisis; implications of the failures of Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and AIG; international repercussions of the U.S. financial crisis and the broader implications for the U.S. economy. Speakers will also answer questions from the audience.

This event is being sponsored by three IUPUI student government organizations: the Kelley Student Government, SPEA Student Council, and Liberal Arts Student Council.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas?

Retirees of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' Local 481 retirees will begin work maintaining the, ummm, light-up-ability of the 4,784 multi-color bulbs that will be strung on Monument Circle over the winter holidays.

Each light bulb is changed, wires inspected, sockets replaced and fuses checked to ensure that all work properly the moment the “switch is flipped.” (The lighting ceremony is -- as always -- the Friday after Thanksgiving.)

The maintenance work goes on from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. today through Wednesday (15 October) in the Swine Building on the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

The installation of the centerpiece decor will take place 8 November on Monument Circle. Approximately 200 IBEW 481 volunteers will be on hand to install the 52 light strands.

The lights are turned on on 28 November to become "the Circle of Lights" (the display formerly known as the world's tallest Christmas tree). It's presented annually by the Contractors of Quality Connection and the Electrical Workers of IBEW 481.

McRobbie Comes to Indy

Michael A. McRobbie, president of Indiana University, will give his State of the University address at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday (14 October) at University Place Auditorium on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

In the address, McRobbie, who became IU's 18th president in July 2007, is expected to provide an update on the strategic priorities he announced during his inaugural address last year, including increasing the amount of space available for teaching and research, furthering the university's international presence, and strengthening the university's life sciences infrastructure and programs in the interest of statewide economic development.

1859 Balloon Voyage

Proving once again that it's an innovative museum, Conner Prairie has launched plans for a tethered balloon voyage.

Visitors will enter the outdoor experience and be transported back in time to a recreated 1859 Lafayette environment on the day John Wise launched his balloon. Complete with storefronts and streetlamps of the time, they'll feel the excitement of America’s fascination with balloon flight in the years just before the Civil War.

There'll be a look at the science and technology behind the development of the balloon as “flying machine” and the history of ballooning in America. The exhibit will culminates with the opportunity to fly to the height of 350 feet in a tethered, gas-filled balloon that will recreate the sense of flying experienced by John Wise in 1859.

From an eagle’s vantage point, the "travelers" will survey how Hamilton County’s landscape has changed from the time that Native Americans inhabited the land by the White River when William Conner first settled here. On a clear day, they will see the skyscrapers of Indianapolis.

2009 is the perfect time to open this new exhibit -- that's 150th anniversary of John Wise’s balloon launch in Lafayette.

Check Out the New Terminal

Bring the family to "Community Days" at the new terminal for the Indianapolis International Airport, set for Saturday and Sunday (11 and 12 October).

Explore the $1.1 billion airport and familiarize yourself with this new gateway to the City of Indianapolis before it opens for departing flights on 12 November.

Register online, or call 317:487.5500. (They want to know how many are going to turn up!)

To get to the "new" airport, take I-70 west to Exit 68 (which is the first exit west of I-465). Watch for signs directing you to the parking garage. The new address is 7800 Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Drive, Indianapolis.

Second Biennial Iron Casting Symposium

Somehow this Indianapolis Observer missed the first one in 2006, but (starting tomorrow) the Indianapolis Art Center is staging its Second Biennial Iron Casting Symposium.

Much of what's scheduled through Sunday is for paid participants, but the rest of us can turn up at 820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis, at 8 p.m. tomorrow (9 October) for a panel discussion among several of the participating artists.

And, on Saturday (11 October), between 8 a.m. and noon, we all can watch students and professionals slosh hot, molten, liquid metal as they create sculptures that will be displayed in the IAC’s ARTSPARK. There'll also be a series of free presentations, including one by Gregory Brulla, foundry technician of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. As the IAC notes, "bring sunglasses and stand back".

Melangton to Head 2012 Super Bowl Committee

The Senior Vice President of the Indiana Sports Corporation has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Allison Melangton has played a key role in organizing dozens of major championship events including NCAA Final Fours, Big Ten Championships and Olympic Trials. She is also an Emmy-winning producer of NBC's Summer Olympics coverage.

The Indiana Muslim Community

"Voices and Visions: Understanding Islam and the Indiana Muslim Community: A Business Perspective” is the topic for a half-day workshop sponsored by the Indiana University Center for Global Change and the IU Center for International Business Education and Research.

The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. 6 November in Rooms A and B on the fourth floor of the Campus Center at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, 420 University Boulevard, Indianapolis. Registration fee is $50.

Topics to be covered:
* Building cultural awareness and sensitivity amongst human resources professionals and managers
* Breaking down stereotypes about Islam
* Understanding the unique practices of Muslim employees – holidays, prayer and other worship practices, dress, food, personal space, charitable giving
* Creating and fostering an open, inclusive workplace (internal & with clients)
* Recruiting and retaining talent from the Muslim community

Speakers and panelists include: Prof. Kevin Jaques, Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, IU; Sohaib Sultan, author of The Koran for Dummies; John Parrish-Sprowl, IUPUI; Shariq A. Siddiqui, J.D., Director, Muslim Alliance of Indiana, Indianapolis.

Darwinism and Political Thought

Since the publication of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, both the promoters and detractors have argued that Darwin’s theory has profound implications for how we understand human beings as social and political animals, notes the Center for Faith and Vocation at Butler University.

Carson Holloway, assistant professor of political science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will speak on "Darwinism and Political Thought" at 7 p.m. 21 October in Clowes Memorial Hall. He is a specialist in political philosophy and author of The Right Darwin? Evolution, Religion, and the Future of Democracy.

Respondent is Susan Curtis, professor of history and the director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at Purdue University. She is author of A Consuming Faith: The Social Gospel and Modern American Culture.

The seminar is free and open to the public, but tickets are required (available now at the Clowes Hall box office). For more information, call 3:) 923-7252.

The next seminars on “Darwin, Religion and Society” (the focus of the 2008-2009 Butler University Seminars on Religion and World Civilization) are: Interfaith Perspectives on Darwinism (27 January 2009); and Darwin and the Scientific Study of Religion (24 February 2009).

The Airpoets Speak at Crown Hill

Three of the Airpoets -- Norbert Krapf, Joe Heithaus and Joyce Brinkman -- will read their works at 2 p.m. Sunday (5 October) in the Gothic Chapel of Crown Hill Cemetery (entrance at 34th Street and Boulevard Place), Indianapolis.

The tour will follow at 3 p.m. Cost for the author reading and tour, sponsored by the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation, is $5.

In the event of rain, this event "may" be cancelled, so call 317:920-2644 or 317:925-8231 to confirm before heading out the door.

Dome Fabric to be Recycled by Indy Parks

The fabric that covered the roof of the RCA Dome for more than 25 years will soon have a new home, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Indy Parks & Recreation will take possession tomorrow of dozens of pieces of the roof to use as umbrellas at the city's pools and shelter covers in parks.

Sabre Demolition separated the fabric into pieces this week and placed them onto pallets. Veolia Water Indianapolis is providing the trucks to haul the material from the dome to a warehouse owned by Eli Lilly & Co., which is offering the storage space at no charge.

Indy to be Bicycle Friendly City

If you're a bicycle rider, you might want to pedal on over to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Michigan Street at 9:30 a.m. 15 October for a press conference scheduled by Mayor Greg Ballard.

Rumor has it he'll endorse a four-phase bike lane plan for the City of Indianapolis. This plan, Indy Bikeways, will, over the next 15 years, provide more than 200 miles of bike lanes in Marion County.

His announcement coincides with the start of the bike lane striping for New York and Michigan Streets. This project, along with the bike lanes on Allisonville Road, represents Phase 1 of the Indy Bikeways Plan.